CALISTOGA RANCH
My husband I absolutely looooove traveling and exploring new hotels and restaurants. And it’s doesn’t hurt that we live in such a beautiful part of California.
You know, I’d book a stay in Sonoma any chance I get. But as much as I love planning and organizing things months in advance and knowing exactly what we are going to do and see, I also don’t say no to spontaneous trips if there’s a to die for deal. That’s exactly how I ended up staying at the best two hotels in the North Bay.
After the horrible fires in Sonoma in 2017, many local businesses started to offer specials to promote and help local businesses and residents. Calistoga Ranch Resort was offering a limited amount of rooms with 2 nights for 1 special. There was no way I’d say no to staying in a top 10 hotels in the world for half the price. We booked the Deluxe Lodge to spend Christmas in a romantic and unique setting.
Calistoga Ranch is one of the Auberge resorts and is the most gorgeous place I’ve ever been to in California. They have 50 freestanding 1 and 2 bedroom cottages which include private indoor/outdoor lodging areas, hot tubs, outdoor rain showers, fireplaces and other amazing amenities.
At check in we were offered a upgrade and ended up in a stunning 1 bedroom Bay Forest Spa Lodge.
It’s a private cottage tucked away in the middle of the redwoods with an outdoor jacuzzi on the patio, indoor/outdoor living space with firaplaces, separate bedroom and large bathroom with a large tub and an outdoor rain shower (that was Shawn’s favorite amenity). If all that isn’t enough, Calistoga Ranch is also dog friendly so our German Shephard was provided with his own food bowls, bed and treats. I’m sure he had the time of his life smelling things and running on the trails.
We were also offered a complimentary bottle of champagne, treats and fruit. The whole stay was like a dream. The attention to detail, care and friendliness is out of this world. My favorite thing about this resort is that isn’t not only romantic and secluded but it also offers private hiking trails, world class restaurant, wine caves, and many other amenities to keep you busy exploring the land.
Bonus points: you can borrow a killer Benz to drive around for a day. What?!
The prices range from $800 to thousands of dollars but I can honestly say, it’s so worth it is you’re looking for a luxury experience and want to be treated like royalty.
FARMHOUSE INN
How did we end up staying at this one? To be honest, too much wine tasting at Korbel and La Crema. But again, I got really lucky with randomly checking their website and saw a deal I coudn’t say no.
After a long day of wine tasting in the area, I didn’t really want to go back home. Farmhouse was having a special and we ended up booking a room and checked in minutes later.
It was a random rainy Wednesday in the North Bay and the hotel wasn’t full, lucky us. We checked in and were shown around the resort. Again, the quality of service and attention to detail here is unbelievable. We stayed in the King Cottage Suite which offers a sauna (OMFG), fireplace, bathtub with jets, and private outdoor lounge area.
The restaurant is Michelin starred and has amaaaaazing food. Your room service comes from the same kitchen too. Pizza delivered to your room and it has a Michelin Star? Why not. They also host nightly wine tastings for all guests. On the night we were there, we had the chance to have a private tasting and food pairing with Castello di Amorosa. It was definitely a highlight. Getting to speak with a somm from the winery, enjoy the wine and food… We even got a bottle to take with us back to the room.
Other amenities you can enjoy at the Farmhouse include an amazing pool, spa, beautiful garden and sitting area, and skin care shop.
Both Calistoga Ranch and Farmhouse are so unique in their own ways but the quality of service and amenities are the best part about both resorts. I would go back in a heartbeat. If you’re looking for a special retreat to enjoy the nature and best things the North Bay has to offer don’t wait to check out Calistoga Ranch and Farmhouse Inn.
VLADA WALKER 
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